USB Housing Mechanism With Spring Retraction and Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable flash storage devices, such as USB devices, require two separable parts for waterproof and shockproof capabilities, which can be compromised if one part is lost or detached.
Innovation Solution
A USB 3.0 housing design utilizing a system of springs and hinges with two legs that allow for linear and circular movement, eliminating the need for separate parts and providing a secure, waterproof seal without manual effort, and is compatible with both Type-A and Type-C ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded cap design is used to achieve waterproof and shockproof capabilities, then environmental protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring two separable parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the protective housing and USB connector into a single unified structure. The housing itself incorporates the USB connector directly, eliminating the need for a separate threaded cap. This merging of components maintains waterproof and shockproof capabilities while reducing the number of separable parts, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB connector is nested within the housing structure, with the housing forming an integral protective enclosure around the connector. This nested design allows the protective features to be inherent to the main structure rather than added through separate components, thereby maintaining environmental protection while reducing part count.
2Reliability
If a threaded cap design is used for environmental protection, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual assembly and disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing and USB connector into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for manual threading and cap assembly/disassembly operations. The protective sealing is maintained through the integrated design, while ease of operation is dramatically improved as users simply plug and unplug the entire unit without manual assembly steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If separable parts are used for waterproofing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of part loss or detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by merging the housing and USB connector into a single manufactured unit. This integration ensures that the protective housing cannot be lost or detached, maintaining functional integrity and reliability. The manufacturing process can still be flexible, producing the integrated unit in various configurations for different USB connector types including Type-A and Type-C.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the reliability of USB drives by ensuring waterproof and shockproof protection without the risk of losing functionality due to part separation, requiring less user intervention and accommodating various data-bus technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The USB will also be conveniently deployed or tucked away by a tension springs, requiring less manual work on the user.
Data Source
AI summary
This mechanical design intends to protect the USB from environmental damage via transfer of linear and circular motion to a housing which houses the USB chip. Unlike other USB housing products with only linear or circular motion, this engineering design does both in order to secure the USB port and enclosing it completely rather than just concealing it, without requiring a separable component. The mechanism is secured in place by applying constant tensile force to the mobile/movable components of the present invention.